At a table laden with meat and seafood, my mother-in-law was the only person who left me with an empty plate: “We’ve run out of food for you.”

the car,” she said softly.

I said nothing.

“And some of my jewelry.”

I remained silent.

“Aaron is moving into a small apartment,” she continued, her voice trembling. “I’m putting the house on the market.”

“That sounds practical,” I replied evenly.

Her lower lip trembled. “The bank offered a repayment plan, but I can’t afford it. The truth is… I could never afford it.”

That admission surprised me.

Theresa inhaled shakily. “For years, I assumed that as long as Daniel was married to you, we would never have to worry